Saturday, February 27, 2016

The Hoop Snake Myth...!

From the earliest days of settlement in America, there has always been a rich source of legends and myths. Most. of course, are not true.

The fact that they are false doesn't mean that their are completely made up. Remember that all myths have some kernel of truth hidden inside!

Hoop Snakes

Photo credit: williamdefalco via YouTube

“Hoop snakes” have supposedly been sighted since colonial times in North America. It is believed that this particular snake grabs its own tail with its mouth and rolls like a hoop after its prey at great speed. The hoop snake is also said to have a venomous stinger in its tail which it uses to finish off its victims.It is thought that the myth of the hoop snake originated from the behavior of the real-life mud snake, which can be found along the coastal plain of America. The mud snake is passive and does not bite. But it often presses the tip of its tail against its captor’s skin, which has led to the false assumption that it stings.Many qualities have been attributed to the hoop snake: It is inflated, it glows at night, and it squirts poison from its tail. Nevertheless, although people have claimed to have seen this peculiar creature, no real evidence of the hoop snake exists.

You have to wonder what person gave the snake it's name and started the whole thing. Some very active imagination for sure!

Brings back memories of my childhood days. We kids were told to always watch out for that hoop snake when we took long walks in the Pennsylvania hills and mountains. You know, I spent lots and lots of time in the woods but never saw a hoop snake.

About Me

I recently retired after serving my time working for other people. The one Truth I can attest to is that I don't like crowds. Not a good thing for someone living in a large city! So I am planning to move back to the country. Back to a place where I can sit on the front porch without worrying about getting mugged or shot at! Where the sounds of breeze in the trees and local wildlife replace the sounds of city strife. Where the light of the stars at night replace the streetlamps and neon. Most of all, I am going someplace where I can throw a rock and not hit my neighbor's house.